2 Santa Monica Beaches Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria Levels

SANTA MONICA, CA — High bacteria levels prompted public health officials this week to warn against getting in the water at six Los Angeles County beaches, including two in Santa Monica.

The LA County Department of Public Health collects samples weekly from various sites year-round to test and monitor bacteria levels and issues warnings when levels exceed health standards.

This week, officials warned that swimming in the water at the following beaches may cause illness:

• Windward storm drain at Venice Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain)
• Big Rock Beach in Malibu (100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps)
• Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro
• Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
• Santa Monica Pier (100 yards up and down the coast from the pier)
• Ashland Avenue storm drain in Santa Monica, Santa Monica South Tower 28 (100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain)
• Herondo Street storm drain in Hermosa Beach (100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain)

Meanwhile, an earlier warning has been lifted for the waters at the Pico-Kenter storm drain at Santa Monica Beach, near Santa Monica South Tower 20, where recent samples produced water-quality levels within state standards, the health department said.

Information on beach conditions is available 24 hours a day on the county's beach closure hotline at 800- 525-5662. A map of impacted locations and more information is available at the public health department's website.

City News Service contributed to this report.